With cones and barrels once again marking the start of road construction season, state officials are urging motorists to reduce distractions, slow down and drive safely on Kentucky’s highways this week — National Work Zone Awareness Week — and every week of the year.
“We’re reminding Kentuckians to stay focused behind the wheel and stay alert when driving through work zones,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “We all share the road with the men and women working to build and maintain our roads. By putting our phones down and slowing our speed, we protect those workers and ourselves.”
In 2024, Kentucky reported 1,223 work zone crashes, resulting in 298 injuries and 7 fatalities, according to the KYTC. The majority of those hurt or killed were drivers or passengers.
While overall crash numbers declined, driver behavior continues to be the leading cause of work zone collisions — Distracted driving contributed to 41 percent of crashes, 67 percent of fatalities and 55 percent of injuries; the leading cause for all three. Speed-related factors were the second leading cause of crashes, followed by impaired driving, the KYTC said.
Cleaver, who had an open alcoholic beverage container in his vehicle, was charged with DUI, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid, and failure to yield in a road work zone.
“Team Kentucky continues to improve its work zone safety through innovation and training,” the KYTC said, “including the use of portable rumble strips that move with crews and queue protection trucks (crash cushions) that provide warnings to drivers approaching slow traffic.”
Last year, KYTC added new technology that uses GPS on highway work trucks to trigger automatic updates in traffic apps like WAZE to alert drivers of active mobile work zones in real-time.
Also, to help decrease work zone crashes and prevent injuries and fatalities, the General Assembly this year passed, and Beshear signed into law, a bill that allows automated speed enforcement in active work zones.
“Whether our crews are behind barrier walls or out patching potholes, where they work is where we drive,” Gray said. “Kentuckians must remain vigilant. Drive smart, drive safe and protect our people.”
KYTC work zone driving safety tips
- Put your phone down and avoid all distractions.
- Stay alert for workers, lane changes and reduced speed limits.
- Obey posted signs and flaggers.
- Be patient – driving 10 mph slower through a work zone only adds about a minute to your trip.
- Maintain a safe following distance.
- Plan ahead – check goky.ky.gov or use WAZE for real-time traffic updates.
For more information on the Work Zone Safety Awareness campaign and the full schedule of awareness week events, visit transportation.ky.gov. KYTC will share safety tips, testimonials and behind-the-scenes looks at work zones on its social media channels throughout the week.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
